The number of people who died in the Netherlands from the consequences of the new coronavirus has risen to 24. Since Sunday, four people have died, reports the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
In total, since the outbreak began, 205 patients with Covid-19 disease have been admitted to hospitals. The average age of those who have died is 79. According to the RIVM data, the youngest patient who did not survive the infection was 59 years old.
No test for mild colds
The number of positive tests has increased by 278 to 1413. This figure does not express the total number of infections, because people with mild colds are no longer tested. They must stay at home and wait until they have no complaints for at least 24 hours.
People from vulnerable groups, such as the elderly above the age of 70 and people with chronic diseases, are tested if the GP considers it necessary. Hospitals start testing faster. In North Brabant, most people of all provinces are still demonstrably infected: 554. This is followed by Limburg (149 positive tests), Utrecht (140) and South Holland (136).
No new measures
Minister Bruno Bruins does not think that new corona measures will be announced on Monday. He said that prior to the cabinet’s new crisis deliberation.
“Of course we are never done thinking,” says Bruins. But the cabinet first wants to see what effect the measures taken so far, such as the closure of schools, childcare and food and beverage outlets, have in society.
Population screening suspended
The crisis has even more consequences. RIVM will temporarily stop the population screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. As a result, hospitals should be given more space to care for corona patients. In any case, the measure will last until 6 April.
Hay fever patients warned about pollen
Hay fever patients are advised to prepare very well for, for example, the birch pollen that will be released in the near future. Start any medications in a timely manner, because the common cold symptoms associated with this allergic reaction are very similar to symptoms of the coronavirus and that may be of concern to people, the message on nature website Nature Today says.
The warning is given on Monday because the pollen of birch and ash is already expected in the coming days. “With the current Covid-19 crisis, pollen getting into the air is extra annoying”, says Wageningen University, Elkerliek Hospital, LUMC, Reinier de Graaf hospital and Weather online who composed the post on Nature Today.
–
